It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?

What a timely #Trust30 prompt we have this morning. Something I’ve been thinking about more and more as my business continues to grow is the idea that the only way to grow, the only way to build an empire, and the only way to learn is to let other people in.

One of the hardest things to do in life, whether in your business or in your personal life, is to “let go”. Let go of control, let go of ownership, let go of having your hands on everything. Building your own bridges, creating your own path, it instills pride within and it’s hard to let go of something you “own”.

But I’ve found, more so now than ever, that in order to grow and in order to achieve the balance that we all crave, you have to let other people in and in the end, it’s all about trust.

Stop and think for a moment. Who do you really trust in your life? Your parents? Your spouse? Your business partner? Who do you believe in? Why do you believe in them? What does it take for someone to earn your trust?

We’re all initially skeptical of others. We throw our guard up and hold back from laying it all on the table. This may be the smart thing to do – but if you’re out there wondering how to grow your business or enhance a personal relationship, let today be the day that you stop keeping your guard up and start believing in someone else.

For me, one of the hardest things has been to go from doing all the work myself with my business, to trusting others to do good, sometimes much better work than I could have ever done. The results have spoken for themselves. My company is more efficient, I’ve extended my network, I don’t work nearly as many hours, I’m doing what I love and still making the money I want to make.

It sounds like the perfect situation because it is. And it all points back to trusting the people I work with.

In the latest issue of Inc. Magazine is an interview with Tumblr founder David Karp in which he further reiterates my point:

“…I like autonomous people. I want people who can take a project and figure out how to do it themselves. I don’t really care about how things get done. Only that they get done…”

It’s easy to micromanage. But nobody will like you if you do. At work, people want to be trusted. In a relationship, no one once to be nagged and hounded by a over-protective spouse.

It’s challenging to let go – to trust other people – and at the same time, maintain your own identity and beliefs and have those apparent in everything you do.

Let today be about taking on a new personal identity. One of a person who believes in others. Who trusts that people are inherently good.

Letting go a little will lead to learning a lot more than you ever could on your own.

How will you start letting go today?

Todays’ post is part of #Trust30, an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself (I’m honored to be one of the authors, with my prompt going up on June 5). For the entire month, take some time to look inward and be a part of this amazing initiative.

I empower folks to do the work they want to do and live the life they want to live. I also watch entirely too much Saved by the Bell, run marathons, and drink plenty of craft beer. Check out the work my company is doing at Proof Branding.

Letting go is such a hard thing to do! I agree… it does involve trust and it is a risk! You don’t know for sure if others will let you down but the truth is, you won’t know unless you try. And you’re absolutely right… being micromanaged isu00a0so frustrating and really quite belittling! Giving people freedom empowers them and, I believe, pushes people to find their own ownership and passion in whatever they’re doing!

Yes x a million. Micromanaging is the kryptonite of growth and development. If you don’t trust the people you work with – find other people to work with, or look inward and start letting go of control. Thanks for coming by, Angela!

Letting go…hmm. For me, as a control freak, I need to let go regarding just about everything. I know in the past when i have let go, I often feel really good about the performance of those who I trusted…